Nigel Clough will hope that lightning can strike twice

The new Derby boss needs another heroic draw with United

David Lowe may have assured that he will go down as the best “manager that never was” in Derby’s history by masterminding victory over Manchester United in his only game as caretaker but Manchester United remain favourites to win this year’s Carling Cup.

Don’t buy an excuse-making by United fans about how they only lost because they don’t care about the Carling Cup and fielded a weak team - seven of the players on show last night featured in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side’s 4-1 home win over the Rams last season.

However, the common consensus seems to be that Manchester United will put things right in the second leg and the best price you will find on them winning the competition is 4/5 with Bet365.

Derby on the other hand are available at 16/1 to lift the cup with Boylesports however Nigel Clough has got a result against Manchester United before. Three years ago his Burton side were drawn at home to them in the FA Cup third round and a heroic performance saw them hold out for a 0-0 draw. That was followed though by a 5-0 mauling at Old Trafford in the replay.

Tottenham are generally available at around 5/4 while Burnley are considered to be completely out of it and can be backed at 125/1 at 888sport.

Posted: January 8th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn |